Jesinta Franklin sits front row at Myer runway show after severing ties with David Jones
LESS than a year ago Jesinta was the face of Myer’s biggest competitor, David Jones. Last night she sat front row at her former rival’s biggest event.
IT WAS the most interesting thing to happen to Myer all year, as former David Jones ambassador Jesinta Franklin took a front-row seat at her old rival department store’s new season fashion show.
Myer surprised many fashion observers by inviting Franklin along as a VIP guest to the Spring Summer parade at its Pitt St store in Sydney’s CBD on Thursday night.
Franklin, 27, wore a white skirt and matching blazer, belted at the waist and paired with black heeled boots.
The wife of Sydney Swans star Buddy Franklin parted ways with David Jones last year after the department store demanded she sign an exclusive contract, which would have required her to sever lucrative relationships with luxury brands including Christian Dior, Tiffany and Co, Jaguar and Olay.
“What a front row!” Franklin exclaimed as took her seat alongside E! News host Ksenija Lukich, Home And Away starSam Frost and fashion blogger Nikki Phillips.
Australia’s fashion press traipsed through the womenswear floor sipping pink sparkling wine as they made their way towards the small runway at the back of the department store, passing regular weeknight shoppers confused by the sudden arrival of glamour and actual foot traffic to Myer
MORE: “Not good enough”: Myer boss reveals company’s struggles
Jennifer Hawkins walked in her last runway show for Myer, closing the show in a stunning white Toni Maticevski gown.
She gave a little wave to photographers and friends in the audience who clapped loudly, acknowledging the 12 years Hawkins has been the face of the brand.
“After 12 years it’s time to move on to a new chapter in my life,” Hawkins wrote on Instagram last week.
“Way back in 2006, I was approached by Myer to sign a small three-month contract to feature in a Christmas campaign. Little did I know then that it would lead to being their face and spokesperson.
“It’s been an extraordinary relationship. Myer will always hold a special place in my heart and I wish the Myer team every success in the future.”
Hawkins’ other look for the night was a burgundy patent leather dress by Alex Perry.
Elyse Knowles made her debut as an official Myer ambassador, after putting in a casual appearance for the department store during the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Week in March.
Knowles, 27, was keen to clear up any reports of tension between herself and Hawkins, posting a photo of a good-luck message and a bottle of her own brand of tequila Hawkins sent her before the show.
“Best of luck tonight and with the whole Myer Runway Series! I know you’ll kill it beautiful! Jen xx,” the card read.
Myer’s other ambassadors Rachael Finch, Kris Smith and Josh Gibson also walked the runway.
Julie Bishop’s partner David Panton seemed oblivious to the mayhem his better half is currently experiencing in Canberra, joking with the few other men in attendance while sitting in the second row.
Sydney publicist Roxy Jacenko wore Prada and bought along her six-year-old daughter Pixie, who wore black sneakers from luxury French designer Balenciaga.
Myer will hold another fashion show on Friday evening to showcase its range of swimwear brands.
rebecca.sullivan@news.com.au
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